Welcome Or Welkam, or Bienvenue – an introduction in the three official languages of our island nation.
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Food + Dining Port Vila is the culinary capital of the South Pacific and its colonial history has added to the richness.
44
Culture + History Our South Pacific paradise has a long and rich history. Here’s the lowdown, island by island.
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L’Houstelet Clement Martinez and his restaurant are institutions. He recalls his part in nourishing the nation’s birth.
48
A Bit Of Bislama If you want to blong Vanuatu, then try to tok tok like a local. This guide will make you nambawan.
15
Vila’s Best Budget Lunch A round-up of cheap eats from one end of the capital to the other. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
51
Useful Information Practical information to help you get around the money, trading hours, transport system and utilities.
16
Café Culture In The Capital Our hyperactive correspondent undertakes a crawl to find Port Vila’s best caffeine-infused cuppa.
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Thirty-One Years Of Independence A look back at the day French and British flags were lowered for the last time and a nation was born.
18
Islands – Rah A spectacle you can bank on. This tiny dot hosts one of the country’s more esoteric festivals.
54
Resorts + Accommodation There is a wide range of accommodation for the holidaymaker, from five-star to small and secluded.
22
Activities – Our Mecca The Coolidge The SS President Coolidge is renowned around the world as an accessible dive site without peer.
58
Eratap Beach Resort An award-winning luxury boutique resort that has become a favourite getaway among expats.
26
People – Living The Dream In Santo Timmy Rovu, a local success story, tells how he made a dream to start his own business come true.
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Islands – Efaté The main island and home to the capital Port Vila, where most of the country’s services are based.
28
Marriages Made In Heaven Vanuatu is a wedding hot spot, with myriad venue options and experienced professional planners.
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Seclusion, Space And Serenity Villa rental is booming for both investors and holidaymakers. Check out the available options.
32
Retail + Wholesale – Shopping In Paradise It may not be New York or Paris but Port VIla offers plenty in the way of satisfying retail therapy.
66
Real Estate + Property A relaxed lifestyle is enhanced by investment opportunities, offering capital gain or an income.
36
Clubs – Join The Vanuatu Social Scene Vila is a sociable town, with many places to meet, be it for kava at a nakamal or fine French wine.
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Islands – Tanna The home of Vanuatu’s most famous active volcano, Mount Yasur, has more to offer than just fireworks.
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Islands – Ratua This former private hideaway of a benevolent French millionaire is now open to discerning travellers.
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4C O N T E N T S
PICTURE: Mitchell Kanashkevich
CONTENTS
Islands – Santo Wartime locations and characters immortalised in Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific live on.
78
Islands – Torres Discover the undiscovered. Vanuatu’s deep north is about as casual and unstructured as it gets.
110
Tours + Activities – Blade Runner A helicopter makes for an impressive arrival at a restaurant, as well as being great for sightseeing.
82
Islands – Malekula Where nature meets tradition. A well-travelled photographer relates how he fell under its spell.
114
People – Expat Expedition The inspiring story of one family’s arrival more than 30 years ago and their enduring love of the country.
84
Transport + Logistics An island nation on the move, Vanuatu depends on the efficient carriage of goods and people.
120
So Much To Do, So Little Time A round-up of the many tours and activities on offer around the country, from adventurous to luxurious.
86
Inspiring Spa Spaces Sublime experiences are now awaiting sybaritic tourists and locals alike. Lie down, relax, indulge!
124
Facing Off Fish Made Easy Hideaway Island is, indeed, a hidden treasure, with tropical fish and coral a few fin-shakes from shore.
90
Building + Construction Vanuatu’s building code is based on Australian standards, with the highest construction values.
126
Fishing The Havannah 92 Havannah Harbour is fantastic for fishing, elusive marlin notwithstanding, and a beautiful place to stay.
Islands – Aniwa It’s said that the ‘real’ Vanuatu can only be found on the outer islands, where life is serenely simple.
130
Communication + Media As well as a lively local media scene, Vanuatu now hosts speedy internet links to the rest of the world.
94
Agriculture Tanna Island Coffee is a unique brew which, along with fine beef, is succeeding in the export market.
132
Piecing Together The Past Major archaeological digs on Efaté have yielded a wealth of information about the country’s past.
98
Fashion, Fillies And French Fizz It’s the race that stops a nation – our small dot of a nation, that is – but what a great three-day party!
134
Banking + Finance 102 You can feel secure with reassuringly familiar names when carrying out your financial transactions.
Business Directory 136 A guide to everyone who matters if you want to do business in Vanuatu and thankyou to our sponsors.
Business + Investment Vanuatu has long had a reputation as a stable financial centre, with well-credentialled support.
106
Dining Directory A comprehensive restaurant round-up, featuring all the best places to eat, drink and have fun.
People – I Am The Weather A personal reflection on the gentle pace of life and its happy contrast with more ‘advanced’ cultures.
108
Acknowledgements 168 Our sincere gratitude to the Vanuatu Tourism Office whose generous assistance was vital.
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